U23s start International Cup with a draw

Everton's Under-23s drew their opening match of the Premier League International Cup at Brighton and Hove Albion's American Express Elite Football Performance Centre on Thursday night.

Bassala Sambou gave Everton a first-half lead from the penalty spot after Josh Bowler was brought down following a fine surge into the penalty area midway through the first half.

The Seagulls struck back with two goals either side of the hour-mark to turn the game on its head. However, the young Blues fought back to earn a share of the spoils as Ellis Simms, elevated from the Under-18s, finished from close-range after coming off the bench.